Hooking up tied to depression in teens

Teens who “hook up” have a higher risk of depression, according to new research that finds the same does not hold true for those in a committed relationship.

“Many historical and media perspectives have presented adolescent sexuality as an indicator of problematic or even socially deviant behavior,” says Jane Mendle, assistant professor of human development at Cornell University.

“But this study and other recent findings are showing that’s not the case, and adolescent dating and sexuality can be viewed as normal developmental behavior.”